PSL X kicks off in Rawalpindi with music, fireworks and high hopes

The 10th edition of the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) began Friday with a colorful opening ceremony in Rawalpindi, marking the first time the city has hosted the marquee event’s launch.

The glittering ceremony at Pindi Cricket Stadium featured performances by top Pakistani artists, including Sufi legend Abida Parveen, pop star Ali Zafar, rap duo Young Stunners, and singer Abrar-ul-Haq. Fireworks lit up the night sky as fans packed the venue.

“This is the first time Pindi has hosted the opening ceremony,” an official said, adding that water-tight security was in place.

The 34-match tournament will be played across four cities. Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium will host 13 matches, including the final on May 18 and two eliminators. Rawalpindi will stage 11 games, including the qualifier, while Karachi and Multan will host five matches each.

For the first time, the PSL is being held in April-May, overlapping with the Indian Premier League. The schedule was shifted from February-March to avoid a clash with the ICC Champions Trophy, which Pakistan recently co-hosted with Dubai.

There will be three double-headers this season, on April 12, May 1 and May 10.

The winners will earn $500,000, while the runners-up will receive $200,000.

The tournament began Friday night with a match between Islamabad United and Lahore Qalandars. United, led by all-rounder Shadab Khan, are three-time champions. Qalandars, captained by pacer Shaheen Afridi, won back-to-back titles in 2022 and 2023.

Other teams include Peshawar Zalmi, led by Babar Azam; Multan Sultans, led by Mohammad Rizwan; Quetta Gladiators, captained by Saud Shakeel; and Karachi Kings, who are being led this year by Australia’s David Warner.

Most foreign players have already joined their teams, and all sides held intense training sessions in recent days.

On Saturday, Peshawar Zalmi face Quetta Gladiators in Rawalpindi, while Karachi Kings take on Multan Sultans in Karachi.